04-02-2026
This month’s issue includes a Sustain Fairfax Tip of the Month; getting ready for gardening season; a roundup of Earth Month events; a Green Business Partners Social Breakfast; new regulations for battery energy storage; the EQAC Student Member application deadline; a Switch Together Heat Pump program; support for EV charging stations; the W&OD Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project; spring cleaning tips from the Solid Waste team; a Fix-it Clinic in May; a Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza; an EnviroPod on the Spotted Lanternfly; celebrating 50 Years of Fairfax County Master Gardeners; a guide to planting Resilient Trees; planning for a water emergency; and much more!
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Potomac River Spill Update: The state's health department recently announced that Virginia’s recreational water advisory has been lifted for the remaining part of the Potomac River affected by the January 19 sewage spill.
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TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Challenge Tip of the Month: Spring and Summer Energy Savings
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What Is It? A set of practical, money-saving tips to help you keep your home cool efficiently in spring and summer while lowering your energy use and carbon footprint.
What Can You Do? You can schedule an energy assessment, block heat with window coverings, adjust your thermostat and use fans wisely, and keep your cooling system maintained. You can also seal air leaks, choose efficient lighting and appliance habits (like washing full loads), and turn your water heater down to 120°F to save energy and money while reducing your carbon footprint.
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Keep your home cool and your energy bills in check this spring and summer with simple, actionable steps.
Start by scheduling an energy assessment to pinpoint your biggest opportunities to save. Immediate savings can be gained by blocking out heat with window coverings, setting your thermostat slightly higher in summer, and using fans and ventilation to remove heat and humidity instead of relying solely on AC. Boost efficiency by keeping your cooling system well-maintained, sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows, and choosing efficient lighting and appliance habits like washing full loads. Finally, turn down your water heater to 120°F to cut costs safely—together, these small changes can add up to big savings and a smaller carbon footprint!
Need help coming up with a home energy plan or finding a pro to do an energy assessment? Contact Fairfax Energy Compass for free advice and resources to get started today!
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12 Ways to Get Ready for Gardening and Growing Season
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What Is It? It’s a spring lawn and garden guide from Fairfax County that highlights local resources, expert support, and eco-friendly practices to help residents care for their yards while protecting the environment.
What Can You Do? You can tap into local gardening experts, plant native species, get a soil test instead of fertilizing in spring, shop at local garden centers or plant swaps, pick up free mulch, watch for and report invasive species, and reduce waste and runoff by composting food scraps and using rain barrels.
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As spring arrives, Fairfax County encourages residents to get lawns and gardens ready with a range of local resources and eco-friendly practices.
Home gardeners can tap into expert advice from Fairfax County Master Gardeners via phone, email, plant clinics, and classes, and are urged to plant native species that support wildlife, improve soil, and protect local habitats.
Residents are reminded to avoid unnecessary spring fertilizing, get soil tests, and shop locally or attend plant swaps for seeds and plants. The county also offers free mulch at local transfer stations, guidance on recognizing and reporting invasive species, and opportunities to “go green” by composting food scraps and capturing rainwater in rain barrels to conserve resources and reduce emissions.
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Celebrate Earth Month and Read!
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What Is It? It’s a reading challenge held by Fairfax County's Public Library in partnership with Sustain Fairfax, encouraging readers of all ages to earn virtual badges to win a prize.
What Can You Do? Sign up on Beanstack to join the Earth Month Bingo reading challenge. Start reading, listening to audio books and completing energy efficiency and climate actions for a chance to win!
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Fairfax County Public Library, in partnership with Sustain Fairfax, is offering a special Beanstack Bingo Reading Challenge for Earth Month!
Get inspired to build a sustainable future for our world by broadening your horizons through reading and Earth Month activities. Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, conserve energy, reduce waste and read books! Earn FIVE virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three to earn a bingo!
Finishers will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Two youth (birth-age 17) and two adult winners (age 18+) will be selected.
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CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Join OEEC at Earth Month Events Across Fairfax County
 Fairfax County is celebrating Earth Month 2026 with events across the community that highlight environmental stewardship and inspire positive action. Join OEEC at these events throughout April to get involved, learn more, and take action locally:
Now Hiring: Lead Fairfax County’s Climate Office
 After 40-plus years in the clean energy field, OEEC Director John Morrill is retiring this summer. Fairfax County is now seeking a dynamic, collaborative leader to serve as the next Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
The Director will guide the county’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance climate resilience, and support residents, businesses, and county operations in cutting energy use and costs. This role oversees key programs and energy efficiency initiatives, climate planning, and cross-agency coordination on sustainability.
If you or someone you know is passionate about leading climate and energy action at the local level, we encourage you to review the position announcement and apply.
Rise & Shine: Bright Ideas for Greener Buildings
Fairfax County businesses: start your day with inspiration, connection, and practical ideas for making buildings more sustainable at the Spring 2026 Green Business Partners Social. This free morning networking event will bring together Green Business Partners Members, Leaders, and Allies to share insights into energy efficiency, electrification, and innovative approaches to greener facilities across Fairfax County.
Date/Time: Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Location: First Watch, 12249 Fair Lakes Promenade Dr. Fairfax, VA
Highlights will include:
- Networking with business leaders;
- Updates on the Green Business Partners Program from the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination; and
- “Sustainabites” - Practical examples of how local businesses are improving building performance.
This event is free, and breakfast will be provided. Registration is required. Because space is limited, it is kindly requested that only one representative per business register for this event.
Board Approves New Regulations for Battery Energy Storage
At its March 17 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Zoning Ordinance amendment that establishes new regulations for large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The action supports the county’s goals to strengthen the electrical grid, expand clean energy options and reduce carbon emissions over time.
BESS facilities use rechargeable batteries to store energy from sources such as the electrical grid and renewable power like solar and wind. The stored energy can then be released when it is needed most, including during peak demand or power outages. By storing and delivering energy when demand is high, these systems can help reduce energy waste and improve the efficiency of the power grid. Over time, the technology may also help lower electricity costs for customers.
For more information about the Battery Energy Storage Systems zoning amendment, visit the Department of Planning and Development webpage.
Last Chance to Apply to be EQAC’s Next Student Member
The deadline is approaching to apply for the high school student position on the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) for the July 2026 – June 2027 term — applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 12, 2026. This position is open to current high school sophomores and juniors in good standing who live in Fairfax County (excluding the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church); including public, private, parochial and homeschool students.
Interested students should complete and submit the online application form for a chance to help advise the Board of Supervisors on environmental protection and policy.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
A Heating and Cooling Upgrade That Works Year-Round
 The Switch Together Heat Pumps program, run by national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and promoted by Fairfax County and other local jurisdictions, helps residents learn about and access discounted, high-efficiency heat pumps—and, if they choose, solar panels and battery storage as well.
By organizing qualified contractors to competitively bid, the program secures an average heat pump installation discount of about 15% below standard market prices, with additional savings possible through incentives.
Residents can visit SwitchTogether.com/HeatPumps/FairfaxCounty to register for free, receive a no-obligation personal offer, and decide if switching makes sense for their home before the May 27, 2026 deadline.
Make Your Next Home Project a Green One with OEEC at the Home Show
Visit OEEC at the Loudoun & Fairfax County Home Show on April 11–12, 2026, to learn how to make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and climate-friendly. Stop by our table to explore programs like Fairfax Energy Compass, Switch Together, and the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, and get practical tips on upgrades, incentives, and actions that can help you save energy and money while reducing your carbon footprint.
The event is from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 11 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 12 at the Michael & Son Sportsplex in Sterling, Va. Admission is free with online registration – get free passes now!
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Plan, Assess and Fund EV Charging with Help from Charge Up Fairfax
Blue Whale EV recently spoke with OEEC’s Rama Mitry, Program Manager for Charge Up Fairfax, about how the program can help organizations plan and fund electric vehicle charging for their community.
If you sit on a board for an HOA, COA, NGO, or a place of worship in Fairfax County, this is your roadmap to navigating the Charge Up Fairfax program.
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Apply Now: No-Cost EV Charging Stations for Eligible Fairfax Communities
 The Dominion EV Charging Access Program is expanding access to clean transportation by bringing no-cost electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to communities that need them most.
Designed for fleet, public, workplace, and multifamily housing sites located in designated Environmental Justice Communities, the program covers installation, standard utility upgrades, “make-ready” wiring and infrastructure, and the EV chargers themselves —along with ongoing maintenance — at no cost to eligible commercial and industrial customers. Participants retain full control over how their stations are used and managed, and fleet customers can receive additional free consulting and technical assistance through a partnership with CLEAResult.
The application window runs until April 30, 2026, with projects selected in May and June 2026.
County to Hold Virtual Meeting on Proposed Capital Bikeshare Stations
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The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. to gather input on proposed Capital Bikeshare stations in the Providence, Braddock and Springfield Districts.
Up to 17 new Capital Bikeshare stations are proposed along the I-66 Parallel Trail corridor between Fairfax/Fair Lakes and Dunn Loring. The stations will be funded through an I-66 Commuter Choice grant from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
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W&OD Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project Earns Award Recognition
 Fairfax County’s Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project at Wiehle Avenue received an honorable mention for the 2026 American Public Works Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter Project of the Year Award.
The project delivered a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge carrying the W&OD Trail over Wiehle Avenue, eliminating a busy at-grade crossing on a four-lane road with about 24,000 vehicles per day and improving safe access to the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station. It also showcases effective coordination between FCDOT and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in delivering projects that promote active transportation, enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety, reduce reliance on driving, and strengthen connections to transit.
WASTE REDUCTION
Solid Waste Supports Sustainable Spring Cleaning
 Spring cleaning on your mind? Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program can help you safely and responsibly clear out unwanted items from your home.
Want to get rid of insecticides, weed killers, antifreeze, batteries, paint, motor oil, cooking oil, or other household hazardous waste (HHW)? Fairfax County will accept those corrosive, ignitable, toxic, and reactive materials for free at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Check HHW drop-off days & times.
Do you have excess cardboard boxes, mixed paper (un-shredded), metal cans, or glass bottles? Residents can drop those off for free at the I-66 and I-95 disposal locations Monday thru Sunday. Check times.
Not sure what to do with stained or ripped clothes and other textiles? Residents can drop those off for free at its Helpsy bins located at I-66 and I-95 disposal locations Monday thru Sunday. There are also new drop-off locations at Jim Scott Community Center, Springfield Government Center and Sully Government Center. For a full list of acceptable items, visit the Textile Recycling program page.
I-66 Transfer Station No Longer Accepting Books for Recycling
The I-66 Transfer Station no longer accepts books for donation or recycling as its partner, New Legacy Books, has closed its operations in Virginia. DPWES is working with Fairfax County Public Libraries to find new ways to recycle books.
Please take book donations to your local library branch.
Volunteers Needed for FCPL Fix-It Clinic in May
 Are you skilled at bringing broken and damaged things back to life? Fairfax County Public Library is looking for volunteers to help with a free Fix-It Clinic on May 9. Participating branches will include Chantilly Regional, Sherwood Regional, Tysons-Pimmit Regional and Richard Byrd libraries. Types of repair assistance offered at the clinic will include:
- Electrical repair
- Fabric mending
- Jewelry repair
- Knife sharpening
- Small appliance repair
- Bike repair
Fixers skilled in the repairs above are encouraged to volunteer!
Make Earth Day Every Day
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
We celebrate Earth Day each year on April 22nd, but the truth is that it’s always Earth Day. Every action we take to care for the Earth also cares for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our future. Every choice we make, from cutting down on waste to cleaning up our neighborhoods, helps create healthier conditions for humans and wildlife.
What does that look like for you and me? Here are a few ideas:
- Refuse plastic when possible, especially single-use plastic bags and bottles. Bring your own reusable bags and water bottles/coffee mugs–even straws and cutlery--everywhere you go. Keep them in your vehicle and remember them every time you get out of the car!
- Reuse what you can, when you can. Start looking at your waste items as resources instead. How could you put each resource to use? Could you reuse that plastic bag or wrapper? Could you take the label off of that jar and store something in it?
- Rethink the resources you use in your life, from energy to transportation to clothing to material goods. Where could you use less, reuse, repurpose, repair, share, and swap?
- Support your local farmers markets as they reopen this month (and bring your reusable totes and produce bags of course). This year we are celebrating the second year of plastic bag-free markets in Fairfax County! Check out our Ultimate Northern Virginia Farmers Market List.
- Choose native and non-invasive plants for your landscape. Native plants support wildlife, from insects to birds to mammals.
- Go outside in nature. Enjoy the beauty of our planet and appreciate the connections we share with natural systems around us. We depend on Earth for our existence - let’s celebrate it! It’s always Earth Day.
Visit Clean Fairfax’s Earth Month+ web page to find Earth Month events happening in our community, as well as other links and resources. If you’d like to organize a community cleanup, or start your plogging habit (picking up litter while jogging), look no further than our free cleanup supplies request page.
NATURAL RESOURCES
$750K Secured for Fairfax County Street Tree Planting and Heat Island Reduction
Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) recently announced $13.4 million in federal funding for critical community and environmental projects across Northern Virginia in the FY 2026 appropriations bills, advancing priorities he originally championed as a Fairfax County Supervisor and continued in Congress.
Among the funded projects are $750,000 for Fairfax County street tree planting and heat island reduction, which will expand the urban tree canopy in VDOT rights-of-way to improve air quality, reduce heat, and protect public health; $2 million for the W&OD Trail and Town of Vienna Initiative to transform deteriorated properties into a welcome center, safer dual-use trail network, and expanded green space; and $1,031,000 to establish a regional PFAS Drinking Water Research Center to help drinking water systems mitigate contamination and comply with drinking water standards.
Listen and Learn: Spotted Lanternfly Focus of EnviroPod
In the latest episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco speaks with Rachel Habig-Myers from DPWES Urban and Community Forestry Division about the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect spreading across Fairfax County. They discuss where the insect came from, why it thrives locally, and practical steps for getting rid of these pests.
Grow a Greener Fairfax…For Free
 If you’re looking to beautify your yard with more trees, you may find just what you need at an upcoming seedling giveaway.
Join your neighbors Saturday, April 18, at the opening of the Burke Farmer’s Market and pick up a free tree courtesy of the Fairfax County Tree Commission. The bare-root seedlings are small, easy to plant and will be available while supplies last. A variety will be available: Black Gum, Red Oak, Willow Oak, Sweetbay Magnolia, Eastern Redbud. The Tree Commission will also have experts on-hand to provide planting guidance and answer questions.
Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza Going on Through April 12
Want to spend a couple fun hours in the fresh air, in the company of others helping to save our trees? All are invited to participate in the “Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza,” now through April 12, when people across Fairfax County and Falls Church will come together to rescue trees from invasive vines.
This blitz is being organized by Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management), a community-wide initiative to save trees and natural areas from the invasive plants that are smothering and strangling them. The many events are listed on the Fairfax PRISM website. Registration is required for the tree rescue events because of limited parking in some locations.
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Fairfax County Master Gardeners Celebrate 50 Years
 For 50 years, the Fairfax County Master Gardeners have helped residents identify plants and pests, solve garden problems, support sustainability, and ease food insecurity.
At its March 17, 2026 meeting, the Board of Supervisors honored the Fairfax County Master Gardener Association (part of Virginia Cooperative Extension) with a resolution recognizing this milestone. Comprised of several hundred highly trained volunteers, the group provides free, research-based horticultural advice to the community. If you have a gardening question, you can contact the Masters Gardener Association help desk through the organization’s website.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
New on Climate Matters: A Resilient Trees Manual
 Many native trees are resilient, but not all! As our climate changes and becomes “warmer, wetter and weirder,” some trees that were previously well-suited to our area now do better further north.
Just in time for spring, Fairfax County has published a new guide on the Resilience of Trees in Fairfax County VA to help residents choose trees to plant that have the best chance to survive and thrive. You can read all about it in our latest post on the Climate Matters blog.
Be Ready for Any Emergency: Build and Test Your Home Water Supply
 World Water Day was observed March 22 but is a year-round reminder that clean water is the most critical resource in any emergency and that families should plan ahead to ensure they have enough.
Residents are encouraged to store at least one gallon of water per person per day —starting with a three-day supply and building up — using clean, food-grade containers kept in a cool, dark place and rotated every 6–12 months. Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security also recommends testing your plan with a 24-hour “stored water only” drill and taking time to inspect supplies, refresh purification materials, map alternative water sources, and talk with family members so everyone knows what to do.
Stay in the Loop! More Environmental, Climate, and Energy News Online
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's monthly "Environmental, Climate, and Energy" e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate action plans, programs and policies. To see past issues of this newsletter, visit our website!
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